Multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis may represent a reproducible and practical tool to assess skeletal muscle mass in euvolemic acutely ill hospitalized geriatric patients

Key summary points Aim To study the reproducibility of skeletal muscle mass assessment using multifrequency bio-impedance analysis in acutely ill hospitalized geriatric patients. Findings Mean coefficient of variation of the three skeletal muscle mass measurements was 4.9% with excellent test–retest reliability. However, non-euvolemic patients showed a significantly larger variation and significantly lower test–retest reliability when compared to the euvolemic patients in this pilot study. Message Multifrequency bio-impedance analysis seems a reliable method to assess skeletal muscle mass during the first week of hospitalization in geriatric patients, however, clinicians should be aware that in patients with over- or dehydration measurements may better take place after hydration status is normalized.